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- Tasks: Guide authors through the submission process and manage special issues for water research journals.
- Company: IWA Publishing is a leading publisher focused on water and environmental research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 24 days leave, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water research publishing while building strong relationships in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in water sciences; prior journal publishing experience is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available; join us in advancing global health through water research.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Journals Commissioning Editor
Job title: Journals Commissioning Editor
Location: Hybrid (UK, two days a week in the London office) or Remote (US)
Reporting to: Publisher
Department: Journals
https://iwaponline.com/pages/journals_commissioning_editor
About Us: IWA Publishing is a leading international publisher of water, wastewater, and environmental research. We are committed to sharing knowledge about our most valuable resource, water, helping to improve global health and well-being. We publish a portfolio 14 journals in-house, and 800 books, along with other information resources.
Role Summary: We are seeking a proactive and collaborative Journals Commissioning Editor to join our team and deliver exceptional, author-focused service across our portfolio. This role involves driving the Special Issues strategy, building strong relationships with authors and editors, and providing a seamless manuscript transfer experience. You’ll guide authors through the submission process with a consultative approach, ensuring their work finds the right platform. With a PhD (or equivalent experience) in water sciences or a related field, and knowledge of journal publishing, you’ll bring strong organisational and communication skills to this pivotal role. Join us in shaping the future of water research publishing by and championing the strategic growth of the IWA Publishing’s portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a consultative partner for authors, guiding them through the submission process and ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
- Meet annual commissioning targets and support with the achievement of journal KPIs.
- Drive the delivery and implementation of the Special Issues strategy, including identifying Guest Editors, managing proposals, and ensuring timely delivery of content.
- Maintain an efficient manuscript referral and transfer network within the portfolio, ensuring qualified rejected manuscripts are seamlessly referred and transferred to suitable journals, in collaboration with editors.
- Build relationships within the subject community and develop a network of editors, authors, and collaborators to ensure a robust pipeline of content.
- Maintain awareness of emerging trends, hot topics and key authors in the water research field.
- Work closely with the Books Commissioning Editor to align thematic content across IWA Publishing.
- Stay updated on hot topics and key authors in water research to inform journal development.
- Work with the Books Commissioning Editor to align content themes across IWA Publishing’s portfolio.
Requirements:
- A PhD or equivalent experience in water sciences or related fields (e.g. environmental sciences, water-based epidemiology).
- Deep understanding of the academic research environment and publishing landscape.
- Prior experience in journal publishing is essential; commissioning experience is desirable.
- Familiarity with bibliographic databases (e.g. Web of Science, Dimensions) is desirable.
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong customer focus with a passion for delivering exceptional author experiences.
- Outstanding time management and organisational skills to manage complex workflows.
- Proactive and able to take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building capabilities.
- Ability to interpret subject trends and opportunities in water research.
- High standard of written English.
- Commercial awareness and a solution-oriented mindset.
Working with us:
At IWA Publishing, we value our employees and strive to create an enriching and collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth and personal well-being. As a member of our team, you will receive a benefits package designed to support your needs and enhance your work-life balance. Our benefits include:
- Flexible Working Arrangements
- Competitive Salary
- 24 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and a Christmas closure period
- Wellbeing Day
- 7% Employer Pension Contribution
- Personal accident and travel insurance
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Private Health Insurance
How to Apply:
If you have the skills and experiences that we are looking for, and are passionate about advancing research in water sciences and supporting academic publishing through strategic content acquisition and relationship building, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Hebba Beech, Publisher, at careers@iwap.co.uk.
Closing Date: 24 January 2025
IWA Publishing | Journals Commissioning Editor employer: IWA Publishing
Contact Detail:
IWA Publishing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IWA Publishing | Journals Commissioning Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and hot topics in water research. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field and your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the academic publishing and water sciences communities. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to build relationships with potential collaborators and authors, which can be beneficial for your role as a Journals Commissioning Editor.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with journal publishing and commissioning during the interview. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully guided authors through the submission process or managed complex workflows.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strong communication skills by practicing how you would explain the submission process to an author. Being able to convey complex information clearly and supportively is key to excelling in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace IWA Publishing | Journals Commissioning Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customize your cover letter for the Journals Commissioning Editor position. Highlight your relevant experience in water sciences and journal publishing, and explain how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasize any previous roles related to journal publishing or commissioning. Include specific examples of how you've successfully guided authors through the submission process or managed complex workflows.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: Mention your familiarity with bibliographic databases and your understanding of emerging trends in water research. This will show that you are well-informed and ready to contribute to IWA Publishing's goals.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from grammatical errors and typos. A high standard of written English is essential for this role, so take the time to review your documents carefully before submitting them.
How to prepare for a job interview at IWA Publishing
✨Show Your Passion for Water Research
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for water sciences and environmental research during the interview. Share specific examples of how your background aligns with IWA Publishing's mission and how you can contribute to advancing knowledge in this field.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Journal Publishing
Be prepared to discuss your prior experience in journal publishing, especially any commissioning roles you've held. Highlight your familiarity with the academic research environment and how it informs your approach to author engagement and manuscript management.
✨Emphasize Relationship-Building Skills
Since building strong relationships with authors and editors is crucial for this role, come ready with examples of how you've successfully developed professional networks in the past. Discuss your strategies for maintaining these relationships and ensuring a positive author experience.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends and hot topics in water research before your interview. Being able to discuss these trends will demonstrate your proactive nature and your ability to interpret subject opportunities, which is essential for driving the Special Issues strategy.
